Dedicated to the preservation of Long Island's 'gold coast' estates and other things old.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Ambrose Clark and his coach and four

A picture of Amrbose Clark, owner of 'Broad Hollow House', seen driving a coach and four to publicize the U.S.O. Campaign during WWII. Click HERE for more on 'Broad Hollow House'. Image from Church of the Advent: The First Fifty Years by Frederic Underwood, Ph.D.

I wish my car was as immaculate as that coach & four. I noted Mr. Clark has some kind of cover over his lap & legs, I’m guessing to protect his suit from being soiled by the reins. I also noticed he’s on a cushion that gives him extra height. But I agree with Anon 10:55am – he doesn’t look like a happy coachman & neither does his male passenger, which is odd because the three lovely ladies aboard are all smiles & they had to climb up, I’m guessing about 7 feet off the ground, in those knee-length skirts while, hopefully, preserving their modesty.

The women’s attire looks like this was for the U.S.O. during WWII (to me). I’m guessing the man standing to the left in the bowler hat & knickers is the regular coachman.

Regarding the name - he typically he went by the shortened 'Brose to friends and family. Frederick was never used and if required in print, such as racing entries, he would go by the F initial only.

In the golden era of the equestrian gentleman Brose was frankly peerless. He competed and participated in just about everything however injuries were severe. Numerous spills and broken bones would impact his posture. The worst of which occurred in the 1950's. After which he was generally seen exclusively with Four In Hand.

Regarding his demeanor, by all accounts he was actually a good fellow who liked to entertain. Further he treated staff and the often overlooked footmen of the stables quite well and with respect.

Considering a considerable cache of his wife's jewelry were taken (and later recovered by Pinkerton) I don't think he was a fan of publicity. Hence he might not be smiling for the camera ;>

From the Getty archives - Thomas Hitchcock Sr and Ambrose at Belmont (May 1931), so he was 50 at the time.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/94975585/Premium-Archive

I have a lovely privately published oversized leather bound book that Brose had made for friends and family of his 'Sporting Painting's from 1958. Wonderful taste then again his brothers owned some of the greatest works of all time too.